Classes for Kids

Photo above from flickr by eddie.welker

Click on a category to jump ahead.

Gymnastics & Cheer
Music
Sports
Dance
Sign Language
Yoga

GYMNASTICS & CHEER

Apex Athletics - a competitive and recreational cheerleading and tumbling gym in Johnston with classes for 18 months to 18 years. Apex teaches a healthy and fit lifestyle through the use of motor skills, coordination and balance. Special needs classes, open gym, kid’s night out, and birthday parties are available.

MUSIC

Beginnings Early Childhood Music - Music classes for birth through age 8. Based on the Musikgarten curriculum Beginnings includes a two-year keyboard program for ages 7 and 8. Located in the Windsor Presbyterian Church at 6301 University Avenue in Windsor Heights and St. James Lutheran Church, 5665 Merle Hay Road in Johnston. Classes take place from September through May with camps & classes in the summer. Beginnings is part of the Iowa Youth Chorus.

The Iowa Youth Chorus - Choirs for children 6 through 18 throughout the metro area, including  the communities of Des Moines, Ankeny and West Des Moines. Students may join in August and January, but may audition at any time.

Songs and Signs, LLC - Music and sign language education for kids of all ages. Taught at St. John's Luthern Church in Des Moines, Crossroads Church in West Des Moines, and Ankeny Church of Christ in Ankeny.

Kindermusik - Early integration of music into your child's daily routine means improving their ability to think, reason, create, and express.

Wiggles N' Tunes - Weekly classes for infants, toddlers and their parents/caregivers in an informal, non-competitive environment will nurture your child's natural love of music. Taught at two Keyboard West locations in Clive and West Des Moines.

Keyboard West Studios - Dedicated to the lifelong enjoyment of music, Keyboard West offers instruction in piano, guitar and voice in a partner/group format and has classes for all ages and levels. The broad and comprehensive curriculum encourages interaction, personal growth and creativity.

Des Moines Symphony Academy - Everything from private lessons to group instruction is offered by this arm of the Des Moines Symphony.

Tiny Tots Music, St. Mark Lutheran Church (Newborn to 5) - Free music class for kids ages 0 to 5 years old on Friday mornings 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. A snack is provided.

SPORTS

Voorhees Tae Kwon Do (Ages 5 and Up) - Learn the ancient art of self-defense, increase flexibility, cardiovascular endurance, and self-discipline. Year-round.

Outdoor Pee Wee Soccer (Ages 3-6) - Come spend one evening a week learning the very basics of soccer in a fun, recreational atmosphere! Volunteer parent coaches lead participants in practice sessions with their team and scrimmages against other teams. All equipment, including a jersey, is provided. Register by April 3, 2007.

SportsPlex West Beginner Programs (Ages 4-6) - On Wednesdays at 5 p.m. throughout the school year, Beginner Programs include basketball, rock climbing, football, soccer and baseball. Each program involves six weeks of lead-up games, instruction, drills, and then the "real" game.

Ice Skating (Ages 7 and Under) - Drop-in "Polar Bear" classes are available for ages 7 and under from 10 to 11 a.m. on Fridays. Family skates on Thursday night from 5 to 9 p.m.

DANCE

Kids World Rhythms (Ages 5 to 10) - Indian Classical Bharata Natyam and other dance styles taught by Penny Furgerson at Gateway Dance Theatre.

Jazz Hip Hop (Ages 5 and Up) - Taught by Karina Barone at Gateway Dance Theatre.

SIGN LANGUAGE

My Smart Hands - Sign language classes for hearing babies and toddlers.

Hearing Infant ASL Sign Language Classes (Ages 5 to 20 months) - You will be shown how to introduce and use signs with your child on a daily basis.

YOGA

Baby & Me Yoga (Ages Newborn to Crawlers) - Come stretch your body, have fun with your baby and meet the newest members of our community. Ages: Newborns ‘til babe can crawl circles around your mat. Please bring a baby blanket and a sense of humor. 75 minutes. No pre-registration or yoga experience necessary.

Toddler Movement (Ages 2 to 5) - Dance, sing, try some yoga poses and prepare your toddler for a really good afternoon nap! Parent involvement encouraged. Younger siblings welcome. 45 minutes.

Mommy & Me Yoga (Ages Newborn to 5) - This class combines babies, toddlers, and preschoolers for a very unique enrichment program. Let's do some yoga poses, play games, sing songs and exercise! Learn soothing relaxation techniques and strengthen the parent-child bond.